Have you ever had a book resonate so deeply it felt like the author was speaking directly to you? That was my experience with Shonda Rhimes' transformative work, "Year of YES." Yes, the Shonda Rhimes—the mastermind behind TV hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal, and the unofficial queen of Thursday night television. While she may not know it, her book turned her into my personal mentor. And because she dared to write a book in such an authentic, relatable, girl-next-door way, she is unwittingly, but most definitely my new best friend. Back in 2013, a simple yet profound observation from her sister—"You never say yes to anything"—jolted Shonda into a new reality. This pivotal moment inspired her to start embracing every challenge, from public speeches at Dartmouth to appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live. It wasn’t just about accepting invitations; it was about engaging fully with life, enhancing her health, and cherishing moments with her children. Witnessing her transformation, I couldn’t help but start my own "Year of Yes." On a chilly January morning, as I packed for a trip to Chicago—Shonda’s hometown—I decided to challenge myself to embrace "yes" at every turn. This wasn't just about mimicking her—it was about redefining my own life’s narrative from passive to active. It began with waking up early, which led to discovering an inspiring podcast on life's purpose. The day continued with a profound interaction with my shuttle driver, whose resilience and gratitude were so compelling, it felt like he walked right out of a novel. He even gifted me an umbrella as a keepsake, a simple act that felt deeply significant. The journey didn’t stop there. Choosing to listen more than I spoke, I uncovered my Uber driver's harrowing escape from a war-torn country to the hopeful avenues of Chicago. Spontaneity led me to the box office of "Hamilton," where I snagged a last-minute ticket to the sold-out show—an exhilarating testament to the power of "yes." The Power of Yes: A New Way of Living This newfound perspective wasn't confined to grand gestures; it permeated my daily decisions. It found me saying yes to decluttering, embracing strategic naps, and tackling dreaded projects. I even found myself saying yes to green kale drinks, a testament to my commitment to health, no matter the taste. But saying yes goes beyond personal benefit—it creates ripples that affect everyone around us. Friends and clients alike have adopted this mindset, discovering their own superpowers in saying yes to life's little and large moments. Saying yes can be our own personal 3-lettered superpower. Shonda’s online network encouraged her to “power pose like superwoman” when she needed courage. “Power posing like Wonder Woman is when you stand up like a badass—legs in a wide stance, chin up, hands on your hips. Like you own the place. Like you have on magical silver bracelets and know how to use them. Like your superhero cape is flapping in the wind behind you.” That’s some potent life advice. Go ahead. Assume your power pose and complete this sentence… This year I will say yes to__________________________. According to my new BFF, “every yes will change something in you. Every yes is a transformation. Every yes sparks some new phase of evolution.“ This year, I invite you to join me. Say yes to something that scares you, something new, something transformative. What will you say yes to this year? I’m eager to hear how your journey unfolds as you embrace your inner superhero through the simple, yet powerful act of saying yes. Are you on social media? Come say Hi on Linkedin, Facebook and/or Instagram!

Here I sit, suspended between Christmas and the New Year, in this reflective week I always love. Like many, you may find yourself looking backward to inform how you want to move forward with New Year's resolutions. The holiday season, bridging the end of one year and the beginning of another, is a reflective time that often inspires us to connect more deeply with those around us. I didn’t have to reach too far back to find fuel for my first resolution of the new year. I’ve been recalling my recent holiday interactions with family and friends in particular. The Impact of Asking "How Are You" In some cases, I’ve spent long stretches of time with some of them and the feeling of true connection was missing. In other cases, a quick breakfast or phone call yielded that warm glow that Hallmark reminds us we should feel at this time of year. What made the difference between the two situations? It often boiled down to one thing—which exchanges made me feel seen and cared about. In a world where life can be far too complicated, I look for simplicity. So the simple fact is I felt more connected and cared for when others asked “how are you?” and truly cared to know. In which exchanges did we really wonder with sincere interest about the other?  And who asked simply as an entire for telling me all about how THEY are…or asked but didn’t really listen to my reply–both the words and the emotions.  And where was I guilty of the same? Key Insights for Fostering Genuine Interactions Implementing effective communication strategies can transform your interactions into more meaningful connections. Here are some tips to help you enhance your conversations during the holidays and all year round. Be Sincere: Ask "how are you?" with genuine interest. Showing genuine interest in how others are feeling can dramatically enhance interpersonal connections. Active Listening: Pay attention to both words and emotions. Listening attentively to responses shows that you value the other person beyond mere courtesy. Show Empathy: Respond with understanding and care. This approach can significantly enhance your relationships, much like embracing new opportunities can lead to transformational change. Using Emotional Intelligence in Leadership This phenomenon isn’t limited to the holidays or our personal lives. These strategies are not only beneficial in personal interactions but are equally important in professional growth. All year long, I work with leaders who want to know how to make a difference, how to connect with staff, keep their fingers on the pulse of the organization, boost morale, gain respect, reduce turnover, and communicate value. It seems to me all of that could be helped along by one question in the new year—“how are you?” –delivered sincerely and followed up by deep listening–the kind of listening that would have you pass the hypothetical pop quiz about their answer. Effective Leadership Tips for Deeper Connections Here’s how leaders can use simple words to make a big impact: Consistent Engagement: Regular, sincere inquiries about well-being can significantly impact team dynamics. Empathetic Leadership: Showing empathy and understanding in your responses fosters trust and respect. Follow-through on Details: Remembering and acting upon what you learn about others shows that you value them genuinely. Power of Simple 3 Words! So as you utter the three words that usher in the Times Square ball drop—“happy new year!”—consider following them up with three other words—“how are you?”—and then just listen. Their answers may shift from “fine” to something more telling. With this resolution enacted, we’ll be on our way to being more impactful leaders, friends, and family members. Have you experienced a change in your relationships by using these small words with big impact? For more insights on fostering genuine connections, check out our communication strategies and leadership tips.

As an under-confident and self-conscious teenager, I declined my parents’ offer to set me up with braces. Or if I’m more honest, I outright refused. I couldn’t bear the idea of having a metal smile adding to my self-image issues. I just wasn’t ready. I preferred my overbite. So, in my late 20’s I made the move. I encased my teeth in the barbed wire called braces, took on the pain of the metal–and the pain of the expense. Two years later, those wires produced the smile I always wanted and a partner! They came off right before a major turning point in my life—my wedding day. In the same way I thought my marriage would last, I also thought my perfect and beautiful smile would as well. I was wrong on both counts. My life shifted and evidently so did my teeth. My dentist confirmed it—my bite was off again, teeth were jostling for position in my mouth, and they would continue down this path unless I did something about it. I was “out of alignment” and this called for action. Invisalign seemed to be the answer. If you don’t know what Invisalign is, imagine wearing a mouth guard fitted just for you that you wear for 6 weeks at a time and continually replace over a period of months or years. It’s made of a clear plastic-like substance and snaps in and out of your mouth easily. (I think of them as my pre-dentures.) You’re required to wear them 22 hours a day, taking them out only long enough to eat, brush, and reinsert. Admittedly, I was not in love with them the first week. But I did love the name…Invisalign. I was embarking on an invisible alignment. I felt both proud and uncomfortable. Here’s what my Invisalign reminded me about change and the need to get realigned. Staying Aligned Requires Constant Care and Action I thought I had this handled a long time ago. I had done this already—this working on the teeth thing. Checked the box. Ya mean I had to do it again? Yes, the changes we need to make aren’t necessarily one-and-done. Unless, I wanted my teeth to regress, I needed to take new action. It’s not an excruciating pain but a dull ache. It’s tolerable and necessary, but uncomfortable. Slowly, my tongue adjusted to the foreign plastic edges encroaching on its space. The grip of the mouthpiece felt more like a hug than a strangle-hold. My lips made way for this intruder. My temporary lisp eventually subsided, and I’m reminded that the hardest part is committing to change. It got easier with time. Changes Take Longer Than We Think Dr. Vila/Carlos—my friend and dentist rolled up in one—read the treatment plan. “You should be done in 6 months, but” he added, “expect it to take longer.” Transitions take time, and we can’t always foresee exactly how much time. We simply get on with them and let the process unfold. I could no longer unconsciously pop something into my mouth. I needed to remove the Invisalign trays first, rinse them, set them aside, eat, brush, and re-insert. So I was forced to weigh each eating and drinking choice. Is it worth it? Do I need this snack? This change was overriding my auto-pilot for eating whatever I want whenever I want. I’m thinking more, but eating less and brushing more. Sometimes one change leads to other positive changes. Our Misalignment May Be Invisible to Others, but We Know We Need Help People say they didn’t notice my teeth shifting. They’re either being polite, or it wasn’t obvious yet. Either way, I knew things were out of alignment. We are the ones who know what we most need and when we are out of alignment. Fortunately, many realignments can be subtle, through means invisible to others. Just when I got comfortable wearing one Invisalign tray, it was time to get another one and begin a new adjustment period. It’s necessary in order for things to keep moving in the right direction. Over time, I was ready to graduate to a retainer. This cycle of discomfort to comfort and back to discomfort is how we improve over a lifetime. It Ultimately Yields Favorable Results It’s important to take the long view. Times of change, realignment, and discomfort often signal something big and new around the corner that we’re getting ready for. In my case, I can picture and feel my realigned smile. And I feel other shifts in my work and life happening that are quite exciting as well.

AS SEEN BY SIZZLE REEL SIZZLE REEL PODCASTS SPEAKER ONE SHEET Brenda Reynolds has spent her career as a trusted organizational and leadership consultant focused on helping clients lead with clarity and confidence during times of change. But, in 2008, change rocked her own world. The economy took a nosedive… and so did Brenda’s life! Every part of it changed. Despite that, she went on to become a 2x best-selling author, and TEDx & international speaker, specializing in guiding individuals and client organizations through times of uncertainty , challenge , change and growth on the road to greater resilience and performance. Leveraging her 2 corporate leadership roles and her entrepreneurial background, she’s been trusted by clients including McDonalds, QVC, Goldman Sachs, Junior League International, The Body Shop, Vistage International, Special Olympics, Sherwin Williams, and more! She leaves her audiences inspired and equipped with the mindset, behaviors and strategies to master their “now what?” moments in the workplace or life space. TESTIMONIALS ADMIRABLE Brenda's ability to get people to open up, listen and learn is admirable. Her knowledge of human behavior and business interactions is credible and beneficial. - Executive Sherwin Williams SPEAKER BIO SIZZLE REEL MEDIA KIT PODCASTS CONTACT Keynote Topics Navigate Change, Boost Resilience, Develop Your Leadership Navigating Transition Fog–The Road from "Now What?" to " Why Not?!" We’ve lived through one of the biggest "Now What?" moments in history—a pandemic and are still experiencing some of the unprecedented ripples and changes that have resulted. We have experienced negative impacts and silver linings simultaneously. The rate of change in our professional and personal lives has us in a fog and questioning what to make of it all and how to remain steadfast and resilient. Based on her TEDx talk, in this signature keynote, Brenda introduces her transformative concept of Transition Fog. Transition Fog is the result of change showing up in your workplace or life space. It triggers feelings of fear, anxiety, and worry and you can’t see a clear path forward. The question we face is "Now What?" Using the metaphor of driving in the fog, Brenda shares highly practical, immediately applicable, and powerful strategies for cutting through the complexity! Audience members create a Resilience Roadmap for navigating a professional or personal transition in real-time to ensure clarity and confidence in moving forward. This keynote inspires audiences to unleash their "Why Not?!" This keynote is ideal for individuals, leaders, and teams who are: ​ ​Feeling overwhelmed with the simultaneous changes coming their way that are draining them mentally and emotionally.​ Having to adapt personally to change while also leading others through it Experiencing the fogginess and lack of clarity that comes with change Dealing with their own or their teams’ high emotions during change Unsure of how to navigate complex times. The audience will leave with: An understanding of the emotional transition journey that accompanies any change. Practical strategies and tools for navigating change and transition (personally or professionally). A personalized Resilience Roadmap for navigating whatever change they may be facing. Much needed clarity in the face of uncertainty. The inspiration to convert any "Now What?" into a "Why Not?!" 5 FROGS®: Radical Realities on the Road to Resilience How do we stay strong during a disorienting life or work event? It could be a change you elected or one that was imposed on you. Life is nothing but one uncertain experience after another. And life’s disorienting events can rock our professional and personal lives! But ease is a greater threat to progress than hardship. Leveraging Brenda’s 5 FROGS ® frame work and rich experiences, this impactful keynote inspires the audience to explore the unshakeable strength that lives within themselves and their teams. FROGS is an acronym for the spaces we move between when big change or a work/life disorienting event hits. Learn about the transformation journey that begins with everything seeming to fall apart to becoming a new stronger , more resilient , and unstoppable version of yourself, team or organization! This keynote is ideal for individuals, leaders, and teams who are: ​ Feeling overwhelmed with the simultaneous changes coming their way that are draining them mentally and emotionally. Having to adapt personally to change while also leading others through it. Experiencing the fogginess and lack of clarity that comes with change. Dealing with their own or their teams’ high emotions during change. Unsure of how to navigate complex times. The audience will leave with: An understanding of the 5 FROGS® model of transformation. Practical strategies and tools for remaining resilient during disorienting times—of welcome or unwelcome change (personally or professionally) The keys to creating a resilient mindset, regardless of the circumstances. Resources like the 5 FROGS® Reflections on the Road to Resilience Guided Journal The inspiration to convert any "Now What?" into a "Why Not?!" Ready to Transform? Book Brenda! REQUEST A KEYNOTE PODCASTS / RADIO CONTACT BRENDA

BEHIND EVERY "NOW WHAT?" IS A "WHY NOT?!" READY TO BE UNLEASHED! "NOW WHAT?" TRANSFORMATION ® Kit Does some change or uncertainty have you stopped in your tracks? Wanting to grow and flourish during times of change? Craving clarity during a “now what?” moment? Wanting to engage your team in meaningful discoveries about change? Interested in supporting someone else in their change journey? Change can bring us to a grinding halt. But we believe that behind every “now what?” is a “why not?!” ready to be unleashed. The "Now What?" Transformation® Kit provides resources to keep you moving forward with intention and support your change journey. The kit contents will help you manage stress, create breakthroughs, lift you up, and inspire positive action. BUY NOW Whats Included The "NOW WHAT?" TRANSFORMATION ® Kit 1 MANAGE S TRESS 2 CREATE BREAKTHROUGHS 3 BUILD RESILIENCY GIFT ONE TODAY! Why not share this unique gift with others? It's a one-of-a-kind gift that keeps on giving for anyone needing some help navigating themselves or others through transitions at work or home. Ideal for your manager, your entire team, or a friend or family member! ​ Check out what's inside below! "Now What?" Transformation ® Clarity Card Deck A deck of "Now What?" Transformation® Clarity Cards. This 52-card deck is full of helpful insights, meaningful dialogue starters, action challenges, and inspiration for times of change. WATCH NOW Message from BRENDA REYNOLDS As founder of BKR Consulting, I've spent my career supporting others as a leadership and organization consultant, work and life coach, Amazon best-selling author, speaker, and creator. This is my newest creation! ​ Personal and professional roadblocks have the power to blindside and paralyze us. As the line between work and life blurs, getting stuck in one area, affects the other. This kit provides resources to keep you moving forward! It also makes a great gift for anyone needing some help navigating themselves or others through transitions at work or home. Ideal for your manager, team member, friend or family member! ​ The "Now What?" Transformation® Kit will spark possibilities, create breakthroughs, and inspire positive momentum. MORE ABOUT BRENDA BUY NOW PURCHASE YOUR KIT TODAY!

NEW RELEASE 5FROGS® Reflections on the Road to RESILIENCE SHOP NOW Testimonials TESTIMONIALS BOOST RESILIENCE The 5 FROGS(R) Transformation Journal offers creative ways to boost resilience by inviting us to reflect and answer some important questions. It can help you to quiet your inner critic and build more self-compassion. - Jane Shure, PhD, LCSW, Psychotherapist, Co-founder of The Resilience Group Life doesn't always go as planned . Even welcomed changes can be challenging. FROGS is an acronym for the spaces we jump between in the face of a change or a disorienting life event. My own unexpected life shift as well as my work with leaders and organizations showed me this pattern. F: FREAKING OUT. Something changes. Chosen, unchosen, welcome, unwelcome. It feels like things as you knew them are falling apart. It creates a fork-in-the-road. We freak out and want it to fall back together asap. ​ R: REFLECTING AND RESPONSIBILITY. We are faced with that age old question: now what? New responsibilities come our way. And we need to reflect on how we got here and what’s next. ​ O: Over time, we slowly but surely OVERCOME OBSTACLES. ​ G: GROWING. Despite our circumstances, we GROW—in small and big ways. ​ S: SOVEREIGN SELF. And here’s the thing—none of the growth has to do with the stuff of fairy tales. The only magic is who we become—stronger, royal, more resilient versions of ourselves—evolved, expanded, transformed! ​ Document your hops, hopes, leaps, and laments here in this safe space on the road to resilience and crowning a more expanded, royal version of yourself. SHOP NOW TBD—To Be Determined: Leading with Clarity and Confidence in Uncertain Times YOUR GUIDE TO MANAGING BUSINESS CHANGE WITH EASE As a leader, you know that complexity, responsibility, change, and uncertainty come with the job. How you manage uncertainty sends a big ripple through your organization. Learning how “to be” when the answer is unclear may be the most important leadership muscle you need to build. ​ Leadership expert Brenda Reynolds equips you with information, strategies, and real-life examples that will grow your confidence and hone your leadership skills. TBD will help you find power and clarity in the midst of any change. SHOP NOW Testimonials TESTIMONIALS BIG IMPACT A must-read for leaders at all stages of their career and at every level. An easy read, with big impact. - Cheri Phyfer, President Moen GPG GET YOUR COPY TODAY! BUY ON AMAZON NOW AVAILABLE ON AUDIBLE Bookstore